Tired of loud engines, stereos on Beaufort Co. roads? Proposal could fine, jail drivers
In an effort to curtail loud “muscle” cars, modified mufflers and booming speaker systems, Beaufort County is considering penalties for drivers who rev their vehicle engines or emit “obnoxious” noises.
“Residents and visitors of Beaufort County have a right to the peaceful enjoyment of their property and without exposure to loud, obnoxious, unnecessary, or excessive vehicular noises,” according to the proposed ordinance.
The ordinance, which Beaufort County Council will consider on first reading tonight, came as a result of citizens who complained about loud vehicles near their homes, said Deputy County Administrator Chris Inglese.
If the ordinance passes, a loud vehicle noise that disturbs “the peaceful enjoyment of private and public property” in unincorporated Beaufort County will be considered a public nuisance subject to a fine and/or a maximum of 30 days in prison.
Punishments will be enforced by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and Beaufort County Code Enforcement officers.
According to the ordinance, “loud, obnoxious, unnecessary or excessive noise” is defined as:
- Tire “burn-outs”
- Excessive acceleration or deceleration while in motion where this is no emergency need
- Rapid acceleration by quick “up shifting” of transmission gears
- Rapid deceleration by quick “downshifting” of transmission gears
- Racing or revving engines
- Intentionally applying unnecessarily excessive acceleration from a stationary position
- Vehicle noise that exceeds more than 92 decibels
- Operating a vehicle with an improper muffler
- A sound system that disrupts “the quiet, peaceful enjoyment of private or public property”
The ordinance clarifies that it does not apply to the “sound of freedom” from airplanes at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, “normal” sounds from motorcycles, loud vehicle horns or fire and EMS vehicles.
Officers may exercise judgment when enforcing the ordinance based on:
- The intensity of the noise
- If the nature of the noise is “usual or unusual”
- If the origin of the noise is natural or man-made
- The volume and intensity of any background noise
- The proximity of the noise to residential homes
- The nature and zoning of the area
- The time of day when the noise occurs
- The duration of the noise
- If the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant
- Any other factors that disturb the “quiet and peaceful enjoyment of public or private property.”
